Adminfo - and Vice Principals

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cit of 32 million words of language experience. How can those children possibly catch up Educators in Nechako, like those in school districts throughout the province, are concerned about the declining language skills of many children beginning kindergarten. “We have lots of theories about it,” Miller-Gauthier said. “Some think they’re not getting enough back and forth conversation or that they’re spending lots of time in front of TVs and computers which can’t replace human interaction. In our area, this isn’t related to financial status,” she added. StrongStart programs are intended to supplement existing services provided by pre-schools and community playgroups. They often work cooperatively. StrongStart differs from existing programs because it requires involvement from parents and caregivers and connects children, at an early age, to intervention services such as public health nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language pathologists, dental assistants and counselors. There are more than 70 programs running in elementary schools in most districts in the province. Nechako Lake school district, with some of the greatest challenges to overcome, opened StrongStart programs in Fraser Lake and Burns Lake last fall. Dianne Raymond, principal of Mouse Mountain Elementary in Fraser Lake serving 128 students in kindergarten to grade 3, said she’s amazed at the attendance and enthusiasm from the parents and caregivers. After just one month, more than 60 children were enrolled in StrongStart. Fortunately, the wing of the school where the program is offered already had separate washrooms and childsize fixtures. The school decided to go with a homey look that includes couches and foamy chairs. She said she’s noticed over the years that many children are not ready for kindergarten because of their low language and social skills. “We’re working to bring out families that really need that support.” She said she believes this program will be successful because it brings parents into public schools on a less formal and judgmental basis. There are no report cards or required attendance. Parents can arrive when it suits their schedules. Providing programming for infants to preschoolers does present great challenges but unique opportunities as well. Building empathy in younger children is just one of the byproducts and is especially valuable for children without younger siblings. There is no upper limit on the number of participants who can attend. The program is designed to keep children and parents engaged on a daily basis and for several years. Raymond said she doesn’t believe participants February 08 • Adminfo • 12
will become bored because they’ll be fascinated to watch the changes that come as their children grow and develop. “Every time they come, something is learned.” The current group of parents is eager to help lead songs, play instruments and make play-dough. Guy Epkens-Shaffer, principal of Muriel Mould Primary School in Burns Lake, is delighted at the response to the program in his school. He said it offers a natural transition for children and their families. The K to 3 primary school serves 139 students. Half the students are First Nations coming mostly from three bands in the community. He said formal education was a negative experience for some of their parents, but this program helps parents and children feel comfortable in a school. In addition, the number of kindergarten students has been declining. The school had 62 children a few years ago. It’s down to 23 now. Epkens- Shaffer is optimistic StrongStart will keep the kindergarten numbers up. About $20,000 of the $50,000 that came with Ministry approval was used to modify the classroom space and purchase early childhood materials. The remainder is being used for operating expenses. “We’ve had unbelievably strong support from the community and the College of New Caledonia,” he said. The school was delighted to find an early childhood educator from one of the First Nations bands to lead the program. Sarah Green had just completed her training and returned to Burns Lake two weeks before receiving a call from the school. The program was launched in November and the number of participants has been rising steadily with an average of 10 children coming every day even in the dead of winter. StrongStart programs are run by a steering committee of volunteers committed to and knowledgeable about early childhood education. In the case of Muriel Mould, the committee includes the principal and representatives from a nearby preschool, the college and public library. They meet regularly and provide support so that the facilitator can respond quickly to needs and changing circumstances. The Muriel Mould committee decided that more should be done to reach out to parents and preschoolers in the general community and nearby bands. Green will use Thursday afternoon program time for this purpose. In addition, taxi vouchers will be provided to help families overcome transportation challenges in the district. Facilitators receive a framework to help them plan activities to develop pre-literacy skills through purposeful play. They also use their own skills and experience to keep activities fresh and fitted to the needs and interests of the participants. In addition to organizing age-appropriate activities and preparing healthy snacks, Green said she models behaviour for the adults. She has two children herself — a three-year old and six-month old. Her husband has brought them on occasion and that encourages other fathers to participate as well. Several of the children coming to the program are suspected to have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.. “They are one of my targets — at-risk families,” she said. In addition to making sure the space can accommodate children at a variety of ages, she designed the room with non-distracting natural wood and muted colours. “That may be a unique feature of this program.” Schools that have welcomed Strong- Start are hoping to hear soon that current levels of funding will be available next year as well. The Ministry has not confirmed there is long-term funding. Raymond said, “There’s so much research that children who come with greater language and social skills and emotional development will do much better in school.” She said she’s looking forward to seeing if Strong- Start makes a difference for these preschool children. Her instincts tell her it will. Leslie Dyson is a regular contributor to Adminfo. She can be reached by email at dyson@uniserve.com DAD_3.437x4.937BW_3 1/10/08 3:48 PM Page 1 Do you need help implementing the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in BC Schools An initiative of these BC Healthy Living Alliance members Call Dial-A-Dietitian Greater Vancouver 604-732-9191 Toll-free in BC 1-800-667-3438 To find packaged and franchised foods and beverages that meet the BC Guidelines visit www.brandnamefoodlist.ca February 08 • Adminfo • 13
Page 1 and 2: Adminfo February 2008 Volume 20 •
Page 3 and 4: We run the risk of having a particu
Page 5 and 6: scoff at any mention that it would
Page 7 and 8: VCR, but then, who needs it. I can
Page 9 and 10: Learning/The unending process Utili
Page 11: Good news/early childhood research
Page 15 and 16: hilaration again, the same dedicate
Page 17 and 18: have begun to place real value on t
Page 19 and 20: Enhancing every child’s life chan

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